Monastery and Castel at Parador

Sant Fruitos De Bages, Spain

The next part of the conference we took a bus to Món Sant Benet in the EL BAGES REGION. This is where there is a Monastery that was built over 1,000 years ago. The property is now being used for educational purposes and conferneces. There are vegetable gardens, olive tree Orchards and cooking classrooms on the property. Excellent conference space and the food and service was excellent.

Taking a tour of the monastery and learning the history gave much meaning to where I was standing. At one point during the tour, we sat down on benches to see a movie, the lights went out and a hologram appeared over the church altar and a mass was presented. It was so touching and real, I felt emotional and tears began running down my cheeks. The only thing missing was the smell of frankincense. I did take a picture and by chance it did turn out, it’s not that great of a photo but I still have to share it.
While in the Catalonia region we stayed in a castle at Hotel Parador de Cardona. This was an experience I never knew I’d ever have; sleeping in a castle built 1,200 years ago. I woke up early before sunrise and put on my warmest clothes and walked around the outside of the castle. There were chains crossing entry ways that were suggesting please do not enter. I could see that the area was not renovated and could possibly not be safe to walk. But I went anyway. It was a erie feeling with the fog rolling in and sky becoming light. As I walked through the dungeons I wondered what they were used for, one could only imagine. I felt my body absorb the stone thinking about what it took for the stone to get there and the building of the castle which took 30 years. I did not sleep that well the 2 nights we stayed there and learned there are ghosts in the castle. Just maybe I was disturbed by them or by all the tapas and wine I’d been indulging in. What a fascinating experience.

The last night of the conference was
back in Barcelona at Mercat del Born. Once a public market and now an historic landmark, Mercat del Born exemplifies Barcelona’s Living Modernisme. There is a huge exhibit showing the remains of the buildings from when the city was first built by the Romans and plenty of artifacts.

The area where Mercat del Born sits, is known as the gothic area of Barcelona. It’s not so safe, especially at night. The streets are like ally ways that twist and turn with doorways that lead to who knows where and I was not about to find out. But it’s a great place during the day to shop. More tapa’s and wine and lots of good byes at this final evening together. We then walked back to our hotel with David and Shira (our soon to be travel companions). It was late and it was at least a mile walk which was much needed after all the tapas and wine I indulged in. The walk was also an exciting, adventurous walk since we were walking through those narrow streets for some time.